Planning to take a week off in the end of May or early June and do a section Hike of the NJ AT. I have done many 2 and 3 day Hikes around NY AT/Harriman State Park. I am 25 yo, physically fit, and weighed my pack out with 3L of water and approximately 4 days of Food at 29lbs. I could probably cut a few pounds. I have hiked 14ish Miles in a day before with gear of approximately 20lb, and I do not want to push myself past the point of enjoyment..

The tentative plan is:

DWG Natíl Rec Area. Start location (probably be on trail by 9am as I would be getting dropped off from NE NJ).
These are the approximate distances I got from the Thru-Hike Companion.
Day 1: 10.6 Miles to Mohican Outdoor Center.
Day 2: 14.8 Miles to Brink Road Shelter.
Day 3: 12.6 Miles to Mashipacong Shelter
Day 4: 12.3 Miles to J. Murray property.
Day 5: 13.8 to Vernon NJ (NJ 94) where I would stay with family over night.
Day 6: 9.1 Miles to NJ-NY State line. -- get picked up and head home
Day 7: Recuperate before work!

I would love some opinions and suggestions on the itinerary. I am really wondering where I can actually get off the trail onto a decently large road at the NJ-NY state line or really close to it before or after for my ride to pick me up? I have thought about just getting a mail drop in Unionville and not stopping in Vernon and ending @ Warwick TP.

Cookerhiker

03-23-2011, 15:58

If you do a maildrop in Unionville, it's extra walking into the town.

I'd consider hiking all the way to Rt. 17A on your last day. I know that would make your last day your longest day but after the ascent to the Waywayanda ridgeline, there's not a lot more up and down. As I recall, the trail becomes more NY-like with big boulders which I personally liked.

Yes, I also realize that if you're staying with family in Vernon, it may be hard to get away early in the morning but at least consider it. I think you're capable.

perrito

03-23-2011, 16:03

This all looks great. Just remember that from the state line, the blue blazed State Line Trail is another mile down hill to the road to get picked up. Enjoy!

Jay_NJ

03-23-2011, 19:12

Excellent advice guys, I greatly appreciate it. I am planning to do a nice 3 day loop in the near future at Harriman to start getting back into the grove of things. A

@ Cookerhiker: The family is my main FEAR for not making it to 17A on day 6. If I could get dropped off back on the trail at 8am I would be happy to push myself, but I foresee a 10am start time :/

@Perrito: Do you know the street & town the blue blazed State Line Trail brings you to after the 1 mile descent.

perrito

03-23-2011, 22:35

The road is Lakeside Rd. (CR 511) and there is a driveway to a parking area across from the Greenwood Lake Marina on the NJ side of the border. I believe the State Line Trail is about 500 feet before the NJ/NY border which is designated by painted markings on the ground. Be sure to go there then backtrack to complete NJ!
http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/48344/2026599620089547107S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2026599620089547107ixhLmn)

Mileage looks good, plan on going into Unionville, short, easy walk and the deli make some of the best sandwiches you will ever eat.

snorz

03-23-2011, 22:55

Remember there is no water at Mashipicong shelter.

fredmugs

03-24-2011, 09:26

Since you are 25 and in shape carrying a 29 lb pack I would say you might get a little bored. 3 years ago when I was 44 I hiked in 75 miles to finish PA and then was dropped off at Bear Mtn Inn around lunch time. I also lost my water filter and carried way too much to compensate. At the Secret Shelter my pack weighed 42 pounds.

Day 1: Bear Mtn to O'Brien shelter: 8.9 trail miles. I was trying to get to Fingerboard shelter and got on one of those stupid white blaze/red dot trails and did 5 miles right back into the same shelter. After 7 miles in PA that morning I racked up about 21 miles.

Day 2: O'Brien shelter to NJ line: 27 miles

Day 3: NJ line to Vernon: 9.3 miles should have kept going

Day 4: Vernon to Mashipicong shelter: 26 miles

Day 5: Mashipicong to MOC: 26.7 miles

Day 6: MOC to DWG: 9 miles with a lovely 700 mile drive home.

My point is you can do some serious big mile days in NJ once you get past High Point. I would definitely hit the grocery store in Unionville. Awesome subs.

Old Grouse

03-24-2011, 11:17

Remember there is no water at Mashipicong shelter.

But there is a honkin' big privy!

Blissful

03-24-2011, 12:06

Being "in shape" doesn't mean your limbs are hiker ready to haul 26 miles with a backpack. Good way to blow out a knee, imo. I've seen 24 year olds do that and end up limping. WHy rush it? Plenty to see and do besides just hiking; that isn't all there is out in the woods...

Jay_NJ

03-24-2011, 20:38

@ Blissful; I've found that out the hard way a few times. I find that ones fitness in the gym,etc. does not really correlate to ones ability to do extended hikes with weight. I didn't want to try more then 15 miles in a day and my goal is to finish injury free.